EVANFEST is an all-volunteer foundation that provides money and support to families that have a child battling a life-threatening illness. Nearly $1 million has been raised in 10 years to honor the spirit of Evan Brady, a talented lacrosse player who lost his life to bone cancer shortly after graduating from Malvern Prep in 2005.

The teams are in the 5th through 8th grade divisions. They will come from Chester County, Delaware County, and SEPYLA, and some from Delaware and New Jersey.

Through fundraising from EVANFEST and the annual November banquet at Drexelbrook, EVANFEST has been able to help 235 local families.

EVANFEST was created by Evan’s father, Bill Brady, who credits the amazing group of long-time volunteers and many of Evan’s friends for taking over the youth event and banquet and making it so successful. All funds raised by the EVANFEST events go to helping families.

“Obviously, Evan was the inspiration for the events,” said Brady. “As years have gone on, more people have gotten involved; really more of his friends. We have two great events and it’s really about raising as much money as we can to hep families that are in the same situation as we were in 10 years ago.

“We have been able to raise a lot of money and help 235 families. It’s very emotional for me when I meet the the families. We’re just very fortunate that the people (volunteers) who started with us are still with us after 10 years.

“We have well over 100 volunteers that help us at EVANFEST at Malvern Prep and the school donates the use of all the fields and the kitchen for the concessions. Malvern players and parents get involved in volunteering – so everything is profit.”